Differences

This shows you the differences between two versions of the page.

--- axidraw:axidraw [2021/09/17 07:32] – [Quick Setup] formlab
+++ axidraw:axidraw [2023/05/10 07:57] – [Setup the Axidraw] formlab
@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
 ====== Axidraw ======
 {{:axidraw:axidraw-v3-a3-personal-writing--drawing-robot.jpg?nolink&200|}}
 A3 pen plotter. There are 3 available.
-==== Quick Setup ====
+===== Quick Setup =====
-Read the [[https://wiki.evilmadscientist.com/AxiDraw_User_Guide|manual]] first (this is a summary)
+This is a condensed version. To learn more, here is the [[https://wiki.evilmadscientist.com/AxiDraw_User_Guide|manual]].
+[[prepare_your_drawing:prepare_your_drawing|Tips to prepare your drawing]]
+==== Install the software ====
+  - Install [[https://inkscape.org/|Inkscape]]. (Free open source software similar to Adobe Illustrator).
+  - Install the [[https://wiki.evilmadscientist.com/Axidraw_Software_Installation|Axidraw plugin for Inkscape]]
-  - Move the AxiDraw to its Home Corner.
+==== Setup the Axidraw ====
-  - Plug in power and USB cables.
+  - **FIRST**: Move the AxiDraw to its Home Corner: \\ {{:axidraw:axidraw-home-corner.png?400|}}
-  - Add the pen to the plotter.
+  - **AFTER** Axidraw is homed: Plug in the power.
+  - Plug in the USB connector.
+    - All USB plugs seem to work: in the back of the computer (iMac), in the keyboard, in a usb hub...
+  - Add a pen to the pen holder.
   - Position your paper with its upper-left corner below the pen tip.
   - In Inkscape
@@ Line 18: / Line 28: @@
     - ''Extensions > AxiDraw Control''. Go to tab ''Plot'' and click Apply to start plotting.
       - Each visible layer will print.
+  - To pause or stop, press the metal button on the left side of the controller:\\ {{:axidraw:axidraw-pause-button.jpg?400|}}
-{{:axidraw:axidraw-left-turn.jpg|}}\\
+Vertical documents in Inkscape will be rotated left 90° on the Axidraw:\\
-Vertical documents in Inkscape will be rotated left 90° on the Axidraw.
+{{:axidraw:axidraw-left-turn.jpg|}}
 For single line fonts, check Inkscape ''Extensions > text > Hershey text''
@@ Line 27: / Line 38: @@
-==== Maintenance ====
+===== Maintenance =====
-=== Tightening the V-slot wheels ===
+==== Tightening the V-slot wheels ====
 {{:axidraw:axidraw_wobble.jpg|}}\\
 When the Axidraw arm feels wobbly, tighten the eccentric nuts on the carriage to firm up the motion.
-== Locations of the eccentric nuts ==
+=== Locations of the eccentric nuts ===
 {{:axidraw:axidraw_nut_x.jpg|}}\\
 The big wheels on the X-axis can be tightened here. Use a number 10 wrench. Only 2 big wheels need tightening.
@@ Line 40: / Line 51: @@
 The smaller wheels on the Y-axis can be tightened here. Use a number 8 wrench. Only 2 small wheels need tightening.
-== Procedure ==
+=== Procedure ===
   * No need to loosen any bolts first.
   * Turn the eccentric nut one way or another. The direction doesn't matter. One way will be tighter, the other will be looser.